Immigration Updates

The way we end marriages has changed forever. In 2026, a divorce isn’t just about splitting bank accounts; it’s about untangling a “digital life” made of cryptocurrency, smart home data, and AI-driven communication. While technology makes parts of the process faster, a recent landmark court ruling in New York (United States v. Heppner) has changed…

For global investors seeking a stable path to U.S. permanent residency, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains a premier choice. However, as we move through 2026, the strategy has shifted. Success is no longer just about the capital—it’s about leveraging Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) and Infrastructure Projects to bypass long wait times. With the September…

By: Norka M. Schell, Esq. Introduction: The Modern Marital Asset Imagine spending years building a thriving online business or a massive social media following, only to face the terrifying prospect of losing your digital identity—your literal “brand”—in a divorce. This is no longer a niche legal issue; it is a modern crisis that feels intensely…

Filing for divorce is a significant legal undertaking, but when assets, property, or dual citizenships are spread across borders—specifically between New York and Brazil—the process requires a specialized “dual-lens” approach. At the Law Offices of Norka M. Schell LLC, we guide clients through the procedural requirements of the New York Supreme Court while ensuring their…

Filing for divorce is a significant legal undertaking that requires more than just a decision to part ways. In New York, the process is governed by strict procedural rules, residency requirements, and specific filing sequences. Whether you are pursuing an uncontested “no-fault” divorce or facing a complex contested matter involving international assets, understanding the roadmap…

An Investor’s Guide to the 2026 U.S. Residency Fast-Track By: Norka M. Schell, Esq. Updated: January 29, 2026 U.S. GOLD CARD In the shifting U.S. immigration landscape of 2026, global investors are no longer asking if they can move to America—they are asking how to do it with the highest level of certainty. As an…

By: Norka M. Schell, Esq. In the practice of immigration law, there is no such thing as a “simple” background check. After three decades of legal practice, I have learned that a client’s future often hinges on details buried deep within their past. To provide the highest level of advocacy, an attorney must go beyond…

O cenário da imigração nos Estados Unidos sofreu uma mudança drástica nesta semana. Desde 21 de janeiro de 2026, uma nova diretiva suspendeu a emissão de vistos de imigrante para cidadãos de dezenas de países, incluindo o Brasil. Para a comunidade brasileira em Nova York e Westchester, essa notícia gerou uma onda de incerteza e,…

By: Norka M. Schell In an increasingly mobile world, international child custody disputes have become a critical area of concern for parents with global ties. When a parent removes a child from their home country without the other parent’s consent—or refuses to return them after a scheduled visit—the legal landscape shifts from local family court…

For global entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains the most direct path to a United States Green Card. However, as we move through 2026, the landscape has been fundamentally reshaped by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA). Investors can no longer rely on outdated advice. Successfully navigating the…